Lewis Hamilton and the Lingering Pain of the 2021 Championship Finale

The 2021 Formula 1 season remains one of the most talked-about and controversial seasons in the sport’s history. While Max Verstappen emerged as the champion after a dramatic final lap in Abu Dhabi, the entire sequence of events that led to his victory left many unanswered questions and a divided F1 community. At the heart of this storm was Lewis Hamilton, whose dream of an eighth world title was snatched away in the most unpredictable and, to many, unfair of circumstances.

Four years have passed since that unforgettable night in Abu Dhabi, yet for Hamilton, the scars of that defeat still run deep. Recently, the seven-time world champion opened up in a rare interview about the lingering emotions tied to that season finale, revealing just how much the events of 2021 still affect him.

The Aftermath of Abu Dhabi 2021

Abu Dhabi 2021 was supposed to be a fitting conclusion to one of the greatest seasons in F1 history. Both Verstappen and Hamilton entered the final race level on points, and the stakes were higher than ever. However, what followed would be a series of controversial decisions that altered the course of history. The most pivotal moment was the controversial restart after the safety car period, which allowed Verstappen to close in on Hamilton and ultimately pass him on the final lap, clinching his first-ever world title.

For many, the result was bittersweet, especially after the race director, Michael Masi, made a highly criticized decision to allow only some lapped cars to un-lap themselves before the restart. This created a dramatic and improbable situation where Verstappen, with fresher tires, was able to overtake Hamilton and win the race. The FIA’s subsequent handling of the incident only fueled the fire, leaving a sour taste for those who felt the race had been unfairly manipulated.

Hamilton, however, has remained relatively quiet on the topic until recently. When asked about the events of that season in an interview with a French media outlet, Hamilton admitted that the memory of Abu Dhabi would always stay with him. “You never erase your memories. You carry them for life forever. Exactly like a scar,” Hamilton said. His candid response highlighted that, even after all these years, the wound from that race remains open.

A Season to Remember (And Forget)

Despite the pain that comes with reflecting on the 2021 season, Hamilton was quick to acknowledge that, professionally, it was one of his best years in F1. “I don’t really remember all the seasons,” he said, after a thoughtful pause. “But the end of the season dynamic was incredibly strong. We had not benefited from the evolutions in the car, but we managed to get performance out of it. I think yes, it was one of my most solid years.” He added that the rollercoaster of emotions during the season, particularly in the final stages, was unlike anything he had experienced before.

For Hamilton, the 2021 season stands out as a remarkable example of his resilience and determination. It was a season where, despite not having the best car, he managed to push his Mercedes to the limit and secure multiple victories, keeping the championship fight alive until the very end. It was a testament to his driving talent, but also his mental fortitude.

Yet, the feeling of a lost opportunity remains. After all, had the race in Abu Dhabi concluded under “normal” circumstances, many believe Hamilton would have won his eighth title, cementing his legacy as the greatest driver in F1 history. The fact that it was taken from him in such a controversial manner makes it even harder to swallow.

The Impact of the 2021 Defeat

The defeat in 2021 led Hamilton to question his future in the sport. The disappointment was so deep that he considered stepping away from F1. “I did think about it,” Hamilton admitted. “But I had a strong belief that Mercedes would nail the regulations, and I’d have a good chance at winning the title again.” His decision to stay with Mercedes after the 2021 season, despite the team’s struggles with the new car design, speaks volumes about his commitment to the sport and his belief in the team’s potential.

In retrospect, it’s clear that the 2021 season marked a turning point in Hamilton’s career. While he still remains a dominant force in F1, the path since that season has been challenging. Mercedes’ missteps with the W13, particularly the zero-pod design, led to a lackluster season in 2022 and 2023, with Hamilton only securing a couple of wins in the new era of F1 regulations.

Moreover, the performance gap to Red Bull, particularly with Verstappen’s dominance in the last few seasons, has made it even harder for Hamilton and Mercedes to challenge for titles. The change in car regulations in 2022 meant that Hamilton, once the king of F1, now finds himself fighting for podiums rather than championships.

Verstappen’s Response to the 2021 Battles

While Hamilton’s emotions are still raw when reflecting on the 2021 season, Verstappen has a different perspective. The Dutchman has often downplayed the significance of his battles with Hamilton, stating that he doesn’t “miss” the rivalry. However, he does acknowledge the special nature of that season. In a recent interview, Verstappen reflected on the intensity of the championship fight, acknowledging that it was one of the most mentally taxing periods of his career.

“Entering the last race of the season, both drivers were equal in points, and they started P1 and P2 in Abu Dhabi. Even if you were to write a script, you wouldn’t do it so perfectly,” Verstappen remarked. He went on to emphasize that while every championship has its unique meaning, the battle with Hamilton in 2021 was particularly special, as it brought out the best in both drivers.

Verstappen also highlighted the mental pressure both drivers faced during that season. “One had everything to lose, while the other one had everything to gain,” he said, referring to the contrasting situations of both drivers heading into the final race. Verstappen, still a relative rookie compared to Hamilton’s vast experience, had a lot to prove, while Hamilton was on the verge of breaking the all-time record for world titles.

The Legacy of 2021: A Turning Point in F1 History

Looking back on the 2021 season, it’s clear that it will go down in F1 history as one of the most dramatic and controversial seasons ever. While Verstappen may have walked away as the champion, the way the title was decided will forever be a topic of debate. For Hamilton, it was a bitter pill to swallow, and it’s no surprise that the memory still stings.

However, despite the frustration and disappointment, Hamilton’s legacy remains secure. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest drivers in the history of F1, and his remarkable career will always be remembered, regardless of the events of 2021.

As we look to the future, it’s clear that Hamilton and Verstappen are unlikely to face off for a championship title again any time soon. With new talent like Lando Norris and George Russell on the horizon, the 2026 season could present new challenges for both drivers. Yet, fans of F1 will always cherish the battles of 2021, when two of the greatest drivers in the sport’s history went head-to-head for the ultimate prize.

The question remains: will we ever see another rivalry like Hamilton vs. Verstappen? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure—the 2021 season left a lasting impact on the sport, and its legacy will continue to be felt for many years to come.